From about the moment we left our cribs, mom had us swaddled in Ralph Lauren. And as we and the brand got a little bit older, she had spectacular luck finding incredible pieces at thrift stores, which we'd mix in with our new things. I remember loving my navy blue blazer with burgundy grosgrain trim...and my adorable little pink pleated mini-skit that I wore with leather braces in kindergarten...and my three pairs of Polo saddle shoes (white ones with red, green and yellow "saddles", respectively) when I was in second grade (with feet big enough to fit into a woman's 5). As adults, we covet these clothes and I, like a master apprentice, can spot a Ralph Lauren sweater from 100 feet the moment I hit a thrift store. It will almost bring me to tears if said sweater is a man's XL. So, we're both pretty freaking giddy to be featured as vintage Ralph collectors on the brand's new Japanese e-commerce site. On top of it being Ralph Lauren...it's our dream of seeing our names (not in lights, but) next to Japanese characters come true.

Instead of dealing with big birthday bashes these days, I really prefer to treat myself to a little dose of time well the hell outta Dodge. Last year was Montauk, but for the big (boring as birthdays go) 3-4, Porter and our friend (the excellent web designer) Chris Lopez-Thomas headed up to the land of yellow, orange and red leaves, mountains and streams: Chatham, NY. We rented a "Berkshire Chalet" from AirBNB just down the Taconic Parkway from the dodgy, yet awesome-looking Chatham Travel Lodge.

The place was amazing, but the driveway, highly perilous, even in Stan, our monstrous Ford Expedition.

It got down to the low-40s at night, so it was actually appropriate for hot fires and hot hot toddys. This batch had the magical special kick of Mike's Hot Honey (which should win awards for the best condiment since Siracha), with equal parts Maker's Mark and Cornelius Apple Jack, as well as some hot water, lemon and a sprig of thyme.

Over the summer, our friend Kerry Folan showed us the utter freedom and rich sound that come from the bluetooth-fueled Jambox. I picked one up and brought him into the woods where he allowed Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash to serenade the trees (and us).

I like how CLT accidentally threw on the old Navy blanket to hang like a shawl collared coat (kinda like Julia Ormond did in Legends of the Fall...I ironically am dressed kinda like Tristan).

In a fun coincidence, our handsome friend, Adam Kell, was in that neck of the woods, too, and popped by!

More of the good draping - this time more in the vein of the Renaissance than 1920s Montana.

One of the days, Port danced on a log...

...and on our last night, the boys (including Rob) braved the rain to char some amazing meats.